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Characterising an insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signature for early detection/risk reduction of cancer

Researchers in the Department of Oncology have secured funding to characterise an insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signature for early detection and risk reduction of cancer.

Dr Valentine Macaulay and Dr Guillaume Rieunier have been awarded a 3-year CRUK Early Detection project grant (~£400k) to investigate the role of circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in cancer promotion and progression. High levels of circulating IGF-1 have been found to associate with increased risk of developing cancer. This association has been shown for several types of common cancer including cancers of the prostate, breast and colon.

The project will use cell line and in vivo models and clinical data, and will involve collaborators in the Departments of Oncology, Pathology, Surgery and Epidemiology. The research will aim to characterise mediators of high IGF-1 on cancer risk, to provide novel targets for screening and strategies for risk reduction.